so im getting ready to install a new headunit in my 2007 Element, and its a 7 speaker, amplified system. basicly, the stereo give the amplifier its audio input, and from the amp, it goes to all 7 speakers in the car.

for the mean time, im going to bypass the factory sub completely. i will only run the 6 components off the aftermarket headunit, then at a later time, upgrade the factory sub, and power it with a 1 channel amp.

but what is pin 11 for? the factory shop manual only says shielding.. thats it. can anyone help?

 

Normally it is "wrapped" around audio and video signal leads, on RCA cable the signal return or signal ground is the shield, higher end RCAs will have the signal and signal return, [pos.(+) and neg.(-)] wrapped with another "shield" that is not connected at the HU end.
I have also seen a lead, referred to as a shield, being used as a chassis to chassis ground, grounding the chassis of the HU to the chassis of the amp or processor. 94

 

since its in the plug and play OEM harness, and its a wire, common 18 ga wire.. when i go to put my new headunit in, i should prolly leave this one un touched?

 

If your bypassing the stock amp then yes, you should not need it. 94